LANDOVER, Md. — After the Cleveland Browns' quarterback duel fell as flat as the numerous incompletions from Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel in their Monday night meltdown, coach Mike Pettine's postgame frustration was only compounded when he learned that Manziel flashed a middle finger at the Washington Redskins sideline in the third quarter.

"It does not sit well," Pettine said of the rookie's loss of composure after the Browns' 24-23 loss at FedEx Field. "I was informed right after the game. And it's disappointing to me because we talk about being poised, being focused. You have to be able to maintain your poise. ... That's a big part of all football players, especially your quarterback.

Asked if Manziel's behavior factors into his decision to tab the starter, Pettine said: "It's whoever gives us the best shot to win the opener will be the starter."

Still, the Browns' offense may have proven more obscene than Manziel's gesture. And yet Pettine can't wait much longer to choose his quarterback with opening day less than three weeks away.

He had hoped to reveal the winner of the summer-long battle Tuesday but conceded he might have to delay even if he ideally needs to have a starter working with the first-string offense by the start of Wednesday's practice. The Browns host the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night in their third preseason game.

"Someone has to be ready for the opener," Pettine said while admitting he may need to see how Manziel and Hoyer play this weekend before rendering a verdict.

"It's possible. ... All the options are on the table. We will see. We need to score touchdowns. We need to move the ball."

Both passers struggled painfully while failing to grasp an opportunity. Hoyer and Manziel combined to complete nine of 22 passes for 81 yards with Manziel's 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Dion Lewis the lone time the Browns' first- or second-team offense has reached the end zone in 16 preseason possessions.

"It probably couldn't have been any worse," said Hoyer, who threw for 16 yards and missed on seven of nine throws. "It was disappointing. It's embarrassing. We started off poorly and really never changed after that."

Hoyer said the competition has not been a distraction hanging over the team and denied he has been pressing in his bid to secure the top spot on the depth chart. But he chastised himself for missing slot receiver Andrew Hawkins, who was wide open in the end zone for what would have been an easy first-half touchdown.

"There's no excuse for it," Hoyer said.

Here's how bad things were at one point late in the first half: Browns defensive backs caught as many passes (two) as Manziel completed to receivers. Hoyer was 0-for-4 to that point.

But because Manziel couldn't keep his cool, Hoyer may win the job by default.

Manziel, who was sacked three times, conceded he is struggling to adjust to the speed of the NFL and that he hesitated throwing the ball while playing with the starters for the first time in a game situation.

"I forced some things and didn't let it fly, and I have to get better at that," Manziel said. "Things are definitely faster, quicker and things close up a lot faster if you hesitate."

Manziel was demoted to third string on Nov. 24 after a video of him partying emerged after the Browns' bye week, but he returned to the starting lineup on Dec. 13, 2015. He threw for 270 yards, one touchdown and one interception of 21-of-31 passing to lead the Browns to a win over the 49ers, their first victory in two months.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

Manziel returned to the starting lineup for an injured Josh McCown on Nov. 5, 2015, but struggled in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He completed just 15 of 33 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown.
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Johnny Manziel received his first regular-season action in Week 2, taking three snaps against the Saints. The rookie handed off twice and threw one incomplete pass in the Browns' come-from-behind win.
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Browns players and coaches have praised Manziel's early approach, showing appreciation for his work ethic and willingness to keep a low profile in the locker room, something rookies are generally expected to do no matter how famous.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports